Portsmouth fire station will be turned into a grotto for a children’s party

Council-run Portsmouth care home put into special measures

COSHAM fire station will be turned into a wintery Santa’s grotto for a children’s party.

As previously reported, each year the station in Wayte Street, Cosham, invites children from the paediatric unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital for a festive shindig.

Part of the station is transformed into a grotto, complete with a Santa Claus who will hand out presents for each child.

As well as a Santa’s grotto, the children will also have an entertainer, magician, mobile farm and lunch provided.

Firefighter Stuart Vince, who has been busy planning the event, said: ‘All the hard work and organising is well worth it when you see the children’s faces light up when they meet Santa and receive the present they have been asking their parents for.

‘The event also provides us with a great opportunity to teach the children about the dangers of fire and make sure they know how to stay safe during the festive season.’

Around 40 children and their parents will attend the party on Sunday.

Katrina Adams, matron at the paediatrics unit in the Cosham hospital, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters at Cosham Fire Station for their efforts in fundraising for the Christmas party.

‘This annual event has proved to be very successful with many children benefitting from attending.’